Crown of Thorns

The Crown of Thorns, scientifically known as Euphorbia milii, is a popular and striking succulent plant native to Madagascar. It is known for its sharp thorns and colorful bracts that surround small flowers, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance.

This plant typically grows to about 1 to 3 feet in height and spreads 1 to 2 feet. It features thick, fleshy stems covered with sharp, inch-long spines, which is how it got its common name, Crown of Thorns. The leaves are small, green, and oval-shaped, but they may fall off to conserve water and energy.

One of the most attractive aspects of Euphorbia milii is its flowers, which are actually small and inconspicuous. The showy part of its blooms is the colorful bracts, which can be red, pink, yellow, or white. These bracts appear throughout the year but are more abundant in brighter light conditions.

The Crown of Thorns thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. It's drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly, especially during the winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

In landscaping, Crown of Thorns is often used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, cactus gardens, and as a container plant, both indoors and outdoors. Its colorful bracts and unique, spiny appearance make it a popular choice for adding interest and a splash of color to gardens and homes.

Overall, the Crown of Thorns is a low-maintenance and visually appealing plant, ideal for gardeners looking for a drought-tolerant and exotic addition to their plant collection. Its striking appearance, combined with its colorful and long-lasting bracts, makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Crown of Thorns

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for optimal growth and blooming
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Crown of Thorns is a shrub that grows upright with spiny stems and vibrant flowers, and generally does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Crown of Thorns is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days, and in winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks